EUZENBERG, Minister Resident to E. B. Washburne, Envoy Extraordinary and, July 23, 1870

Count d’Euzenberg to Mr. E. B. Washburne.

Mr. Minister: My government having informed me of the fact of the declaration of war by France against the North German Confederation, of the date of July 19, current, the alliance under the military convention concluded between the two governments of Hesse and the North German Confederation still exists.

In consequence I am instructed to address your excellency without delay, in order to inform you of the desire of my government that you will take all the subjects of Hesse residing in Paris and in France, as well as the archives of the legation, under the protection of the United States.

I hasten to obey this order, and I beg your excellency to be assured of the high estimate which my government attaches to this protection; and already in advance, and in my own name, I pray your excellency to be pleased to accept my heartfelt thanks as a testimony of courtesy and international good will, and I take this occasion to renew the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, Mr. Minister, your excellency’s humble and devoted servant.